Blackbeard was an awful bollox. He made a right nuisance of himself as he roamed the high seas robbing and killing and belching and farting. His real name was allegedly Edward Thatch (or Teach), but that is not conclusive. Very little is known about his early life, or indeed his real family name. Reputedly a former British naval man, he became a pirate when the Royal Navy had no further use for him. In a career that lasted only 2 years, Blackbeard rampaged across the Caribbean plundering and looting. He was eventually stopped on 21st November, 1718, after a ferocious battle with the British commandeered sloop, Jane. It was a badly depleted crew under the command of Lieutenant Robert Maynard who ended the career of perhaps the most notorious of all of the many pirates that operated in the region.

Blackbeard was estimated to have been between 35-40 when he died. His head was removed from his person and hung from the bowsprit of the Jane as it made its way back in anticipation of claiming a reward. Many legends regarding his buried treasure still circulate, but to date nothing of substance has been found. He did leave a legacy however. His reputation for a bloodthirsty approach to high seas robbery has endured, being popularised in literature. Oh aarr me hearties! (as Blackbeard likely never ever said).

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